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Table of Contents

Table of Contents...... 1

Foreword...... 2

Table Explanations...... 3

Business Information Tables...... 4

Products Purchased Table...... 15

Products Sold Table ...... 16

Appendix...... 17 Harvesting Boughs...... 17 Harvesting Birch Bark...... 18 Harvesting Princess Pine...... 21 Wisconsin State Forest Directory ...... 23 Wisconsin County Forest Administrators Directory...... 24

This Non-Traditional Forest Products Directory is produced by:

Renewable Resource Solutions, LLC 1353 U.S. Highway 2, Suite 2 Crystal Falls, MI 49920 877.284.3882

and

Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. 3086 Voyager Drive, Suite 1 Green Bay, WI 54311 920.465.3006 1 Foreword

The purpose of this directory is to provide resource information to businesses that purchase and/or sell non-traditional forest products in order to help them find either sources of needed materials or markets in which to sell products. We hope that this directory will provide helpful information to these businesses.

A telephone survey was attempted on approximately 112 businesses, with 33 businesses responding to the survey questions. These are the businesses that are found in this directory.

Errors and omissions are regrettable and will be corrected in future editions of this directory when such information is brought to our attention by submitting it to:

Glacierland RC&D Council, Inc. 3086 Voyager Drive, Suite 1 Green Bay, WI 54311

Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement of the individual or business, nor is exclusion intended to reflect adversely upon the reputation of any individual or business. This directory in no way claims to list all possible businesses dealing with non-traditional forest products.

Because of changing markets and processing technology, the information in this directory should be verified through the contacts listed for each business in this directory.

This directory was produced by Renewable Resource Solutions, LLC and Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. This directory is also available in electronic form and may be obtained by email from [email protected] or by calling (920)465-3006.

Renewable Resource Solutions, LLC and Glacierland RC&D would like to thank all participating businesses.

Table Explanations

Business Information Tables

Business ID #_____ Contact Information Business Name Name of Business Owner Address Phone Number(s) Email Address Website Raw Products Purchased: Types of raw products this business purchases Raw Product Specification: Specific information about materials that this business purchases Purchase Dates: Dates this business purchases its raw products Products Sold: Items/services this business sells

Products Purchased Table

This table is found on pages 15. Products that these businesses purchase are listed and the businesses that purchase them are listed by their Business ID#.

Products Sold Table

This table is found on pages 16. Products that these businesses sell are listed and the businesses that sell them are listed by their Business ID #.

3 Business Information Tables Business ID #1 Contact Information Brandon Suonvieri Contact: Brandon Suonvieri Address: PO Box 217 Floodwood, MN 55736 Phone 1: 218-476-2406 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Spruce tops Raw Product Specification: Call for Details Purchase Dates: Sept.15 - Dec. 15 Products Sold: N/A Business ID #2 Contact Information Cedar Crown Farm Contact: Dawn Loughborough Address: 12306 Cline Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307 Phone 1: 219-663-3533 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Herbs Raw Product Specification: Hardwoods, organic herbs, medicinal herbs Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: N/A Business ID #3 Contact Information Custom Wood Products, Inc. Contact: Chuck Ouimette Address: 5096 Willow Dam Rd. Hazelhurst, WI 54531 Phone 1: 715-453-2577 Phone 2: Email: [email protected] Website: Raw Products Purchased: Burls, unique wood grain pieces, curly maple, birds eye, black walnut, exotic wood products, mahogany (Burly, knotty logs with character) Raw Product Specification: Old growth tree (>120 years); McArthur Pine; Character growth Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: Solid wood products: paneling, mantels, flooring, bars

4 Business ID #4 Contact Information Diamond Willow Wood Contact: Gene Bremmer Address: PO Box 105 Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 Phone 1: 218-338-9371 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: http://diamondwillowwood.tripod.com Raw Products Purchased: Juniper Raw Product Specification: Call for Details Purchase Dates: Anytime Products Sold: Fish carvings Business ID #5 Contact Information Door County Design & Contact: Gabe Egeland Woodworking Address: 22 E. Pine St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Phone 1: 920-746-0848 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Burls Raw Product Specification: N/A Purchase Dates: As needed Products Sold: Instruments, special projects, restoration work Business ID #6 Contact Information East Troy Basketry Shop Contact: Jim Mirsberger Address: 2082 Church St. PO Box 643 East Troy, WI 53120 Phone 1: 262-642-3732 Phone 2: 888-424-9866 Email: Basket@EastTroyBasketry.com Website: www.easttroybasketry.com Raw Products Purchased: Long pine needles; birch bark; maple/cherry/walnut strips Raw Product Specification: N/A Purchase Dates: N/A Products Sold: Basket making supplies

5 Business ID #7 Contact Information Feix Family Baskets Contact: Dan & Pam Feix (Pronounced Fakes) Address: 321 E. Somers St. Eaton, OH 45320 Phone 1: 937-456-6067 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.feixbaskets-crafts.com Raw Products Purchased: Walnut/cherry splints; black ash, poplar strips Raw Product Specification: N/A Purchase Dates: As needed Products Sold: Baskets Business ID #8 Contact Information Field & Forest Products, Inc. Contact: Mary Address: N3296 Kozuzek Rd. Peshtigo, WI 54157 Phone 1: 715-582-4997 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: www.FieldForest.net Raw Products Purchased: Oak sawdust, certified organic grains Raw Product Specification: Van loads of oak sawdust, most do not contain any other wood species Purchase Dates: Year Round Products Sold: Shiitake mushrooms, mushroom spawn Business ID #9 Contact Information Flint Ridge Farms, Nursery & Contact: Diana Clausen Herbs Address: 5665 W. 500 North Huntington, IN 46750 Phone 1: 260-356-3959 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: www.FlintRidgeFarms.com Raw Products Purchased: Essential plant oils Raw Product Specification: N/A Purchase Dates: As needed Products Sold: Natural body care products

6 Business ID #10 Contact Information From Grandma's Farm Contact: Erna Bubolz Address: W5637 County Hwy G Rio, WI 53960 Phone 1: 920-992-3467 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Balsam cull trees and stumpage from Christmas Tree farm. These I cut in bough length for wreaths. 7" to 30". Raw Product Specification: Must have been frozen and feshly cut Purchase Dates: Does not purchase until frost - October, November, or December Products Sold: Wreaths, swags, “Charlie Brown” trees, table trees, boughs, cones, roping (by order), porch pots, arrangements, and funeral wreaths. Business ID #11 Contact Information Gratiot Lake Basketry Contact: Carole Kaeding Address: 58622 Railroad St. Kearsarge, MI 49913 Phone 1: 906-337-5116 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Cones, birch/cedar/elm bark; wooden bases; pine needles; veneer; honey suckle; hickory; black ash Raw Product Specification: N/A Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: Basket making/finishing products, Supplies Business ID #12 Contact Information Green Kingdom Herbs Contact: Terry & Patty Monville Address: 1610 Stanton St. Bay City, MI 48708 Phone 1: 989-895-1275 Phone 2: 877-895-1275 Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Herbs, extracts Raw Product Specification: Best quality Purchase Dates: All Year Products Sold: N/A

7 Business ID #13 Contact Information Happ's Christmas Trees Contact: Tom Happerset Address: W6965 Cypress Lane Neshkoro, WI 54960 Phone 1: 920-293-8240 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Frasier fir seedlings Raw Product Specification: Contact for Details Purchase Dates: N/A Products Sold: Frasier fir trees and boughs Business ID #14 Contact Information Herban Gardens Contact: Cathy Manus-Gray Address: 3260 Bailey Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 Phone 1: 330-929-4564 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: www.CathyAtHerbanGardens.com Raw Products Purchased: Essential oils Raw Product Specification: Botanical, organically grown Purchase Dates: Year Round Products Sold: N/A Business ID #15 Contact Information Homestead Heirlooms Contact: Karen Booth Address: N28 W29868 Pewaukee, WI 53072 Phone 1: 262-352-8738 Phone 2: 262-367-8939 Email: [email protected] Website: www.HomesteadHeirlooms.com Raw Products Purchased: Birch bark Raw Product Specification: birch bark must be flat (contact before cutting) Purchase Dates: Year Round Products Sold: Baskets and leather handles

8 Business ID #16 Contact Information Hoogland's Contact: Chuck Hoagland Address: PO Box 8 Alpha, MI 49902 Phone 1: 906-875-4218 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Knotty white pine and cedar logs and posts Raw Product Specification: Big white pine logs and cedar of various sizes Purchase Dates: As needed Products Sold: Custom built log furniture; log spindle railing Business ID #17 Contact Information Lewis Mountain Herbs & Contact: Judy Lewis Everlastings Address: 2345 State Route 247 Manchester, OH 45144 Phone 1: 937-549-2484 Phone 2: 800-71-HERBS Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Boughs, cones, unique wood grain pieces, moss, woodland items Raw Product Specification: Contact for Details Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: Walk-in-the-woods wreaths, stack boxes, driftwood arrangements Business ID #18 Contact Information Miris, Inc. Contact: Trudy Welker Address: 833 Midway Northbrook, IL 60062 Phone 1: 847-272-4412 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Balsam chips, distilled essential oils - pine, conifers, etc. Raw Product Specification: Theraputic quality, organic, MSDS sheets for essential oils Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: Aroma therapy products, Balsam chip pillows, Essential oils - massage and respiration blends

9 Business ID #19 Contact Information Morning Star Herbs Contact: Carol Willis Address: E8959 Eastridge Rd. Westby, WI 54667 Phone 1: 608-634-3640 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Herbs Raw Product Specification: Fresh black cohosh (dried), ginseng, golden seal (cultivated only) Purchase Dates: N/A Products Sold: Herbal tinctures, teas, sauces, baby care products Business ID #20 Contact Information Northern Evergreen Contact: Mike Address: 16854 Five Mile Hwy Onaway, MI 49765 Phone 1: 866-224-5695 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Boughs, moss, reindeer moss, birch branches Raw Product Specification: Boughs - balsam, cedar, white pine, red pine, white spruce, norway spruce, scotch pine, douglas fir, frasier fir Purchase Dates: Fall - boughs, All year - moss Products Sold: Garlands, wreaths Business ID #21 Contact Information Northland Wreaths Contact: Barb Solem Address: 7999 Salo Rd. Culver, MN 55779 Phone 1: 218-345-6663 Phone 2: 218-391-4520 Email: [email protected] Website: www.northlandwreath.com Raw Products Purchased: Balsam boughs and cones Raw Product Specification: Flat balsam only Purchase Dates: Oct-Nov Products Sold: Wreaths, swags, garland

10 Business ID #22 Contact Information P J Murphy Forest Products Contact: Randy Krisik Address: 1001 Doughty Rd. Ladysmith, WI 54848 Phone 1: 715-532-3119 Phone 2: Corporate Office: 800-631-1936 Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Dry sawdust Raw Product Specification: Call for Details Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: N/A Business ID #23 Contact Information Ridge Runner Trading co. Contact: Tony Hayes Address: PO Box 391 Boone, NC 28607 Phone 1: 828-264-3615 Phone 2: 828-262-3605 (Fax) Email: [email protected] Website: www.RidgeRunnerTrading.com Raw Products Purchased: Medicinal, non-timber forest biproducts; bark, roots, and leaves of diseased trees; berries Raw Product Specification: Nothing at risk or threatened Purchase Dates: All year Products Sold: N/A Business ID #24 Contact Information Rustic Garden Herbs Contact: Connie Slagle Address: 7635 West State Rd 16 Roann, IN 46974 Phone 1: 765-833-4333 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Essential oils; dried grapevine wreaths Raw Product Specification: Call for Details Purchase Dates: Spring Products Sold: Wreaths, essentials, dried products, herbs, and live plants

11 Business ID #25 Contact Information Sage Barn, The Contact: Vonciele Slack Address: 4488 First Ave. Evansville, IN 47710 Phone 1: 812-421-8902 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: www.SageBarn.com Raw Products Purchased: Herbs Raw Product Specification: Herb shops; environmentally friendly products, organic, cotton Purchase Dates: As needed Products Sold: Herbs, Books, Spices, and Clothing Business ID #26 Contact Information Stone Family Wreath Co. Contact: Molly Stone Address: 382 Laine Rd. Cloquet, MN 55720 Phone 1: 800-524-6151 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: www.StoneFamilyWreaths.com Raw Products Purchased: Cones Raw Product Specification: Call for Details Purchase Dates: Aug: pine cones; Aug-Oct: boughs Products Sold: Holiday wreaths Business ID #27 Contact Information Turnow Forest Products Contact: Blaine Turnow Address: DBA Moon Shadow Farm 6832 N. 128th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401 Phone 1: 715-675-6228 Phone 2: N/A Email: N/A Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Bark and wild plants Raw Product Specification: Bark: white pine/red elm/cherry Other: black/blue cohosh, ginseng root, wild yams, wild leeks, golden seal Purchase Dates: N/A Products Sold: Organic plants, medicinal herbs

12 Business ID #28 Contact Information The Wicker Woman Contact: Cathryn Peters Address: 1250 Hwy 25 Angora, MN 55703 Phone 1: 218-666-6189 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: www.WickerWoman.com Raw Products Purchased: Cane & basket supplies Raw Product Specification: Species: black ash, black alder, diamond willow, oak, and pine. Also purchases birch bark. Purchase Dates: Seasonal Products Sold: Wicker repair, caning & weaving, and antler baskets Business ID #29 Contact Information Windy Pines Natural Herb Contact: Una & Norman French Farm Address: 23295 N. Marge Lane Dix, IL 62830 Phone 1: 618-266-7351 Phone 2: N/A Email: [email protected] Website: N/A Raw Products Purchased: Bark, juniper berries, cramp bark Raw Product Specification: Viable bark - not from dead trees Purchase Dates: As needed Products Sold: Native medicinal plants; fresh or dry herbs, barks, roots, and berries Business ID #30 Contact Information Winter Woods, Inc. Contact: Shelly Bebeau Address: 701 Winter Woods Dr. PO Box 111 Glidden, WI 54527 Phone 1: 715-264-4892 Phone 2: 800-541-4511 Email: N/A Website: www.WinterWoods.com Raw Products Purchased: Boughs, cones, tops, unique wood grain pieces, birch bark, mosses Raw Product Specification: Call for Details Purchase Dates: Oct-Spring Products Sold: Wreaths, painted pine cones, fireplace pinecones

Business ID #31 Contact Information Woods~N~Ways Contact: Glenn Rougeau Address: 11206 South Park Rd. Butternut, WI 54514 Phone 1: 715-762-2806 Phone 2: 715-661-2330 Email: [email protected] Website: www.woodsnways.com Raw Products Purchased: Primarily birch twigs. In addition, purchases balsam and cedar boughs, white birch bark, sheet moss, white/yellow birch tops, and pine cones. Raw Product Specification: Varies as to customer specification Purchase Dates: Seasonal Products Sold: Specializing in white bich products - twigs, poles, etc. as well as custom store displays and wreaths.

Products Purchased Table

Raw Products Purchased Company ID # Balsam chips 18 Balsam cull trees 10 Bark: Birch6 11 15 30 31 Bark: Other 11 23 27 29 Berries 23 29 Knotty pine logs and cedar posts 16 Birch Branches/Twigs 20 31 Boughs: Balsam 21 31 Boughs: Cedar 31 Boughs: Other 17 20 30 Burls 3 5 Character Wood 3 Cones 11 17 21 26 30 31 Essential oils 9 14 18 24 Extracts 12 Herbs 2 12 19 25 Medicinal, non-timber forest byproducts 23 Moss 17 20 30 31 Other: Cane & basket supplies 28 Other: Certified Organic Grains 8 Other: Dried Grapevine Wreaths 24 Other: Honey Suckle 11 Other: Wild Plants 27 Pine Needles 6 11 Sawdust 8 22 Wood Blocks 3 4 7 11 13 Species: Pine (Christmas Tree) 10 Splints: Walnut/cherry 7 Strips 6 7 Tops 1 30 31 Unique Wood Grain Pieces 3 17 30 Veneer 11 Wooden Bases/Blocks11

15 Products Sold Table

Products Sold Company ID # Aroma Therapy Products 9 18 Arrangements/Displays 10 17 31 Basket Supplies6 11 Baskets 7 15 28 29 Carvings 4 Essential Oils 9 18 24 Frasier fir trees and boughs 13 Garland 20 21 Herbal: Other 19 24 25 27 29 Herbs 24 25 29 Mushroom: Other8 Other: Books 25 Other: Canning and Weaving 28 Other: Clothing 25 Other: Custom built log furniture; log spindle railing 16 Other: Instruments, special projects, restoration work 5 Other: Solid wood products 3 Other: Stack Boxes 17 Other: Swags21 Other: White birch products - twigs, poles, etc. 31 Other: Wicker repair 28 Pine Cones 30 Plants 24 27 29 Wreaths 10 17 20 21 24 26 30 31

16 Appendix

Balsam Boughs Introduction Wisconsin is a leader in the Christmas wreath and greens industry. This is a credit not only to the state’s balsam resource, but more importantly to those who are supplying the boughs and products with their hard work, commitment to quality, and knowledge of sustaining the resource.

It has taken generations of effort to build this industry that is now directly and indirectly employing thousands of people in Wisconsin. Proper management of the resource will allow this ‘success story’ to be told for years to come.

The Biology of Balsam Balsam fir is a short-lived, cold climate tree of the northern lake states. It requires abundant soil moisture and a humid atmosphere. In wetlands it grows in pure stands or in association with other tree species like black spruce, cedar, and tamarack. On higher ground balsam fir is typically found in the understory of pine, aspen, and birch stands. Balsam fir has typically been harvested for use in the pulp and saw timber industries and young balsam fir are used as Christmas trees. Its flat, dense, dark green needles are well-suited for wreaths and holiday decorations.

Harvesting Considerations “Take what you need. Pay your respects. Leave the rest.” First Nation Tribal Elders The gathering of balsam boughs and their manufacture into evergreen holiday products is a longstanding heritage of the northwoods. These same woods are the beauty, recreation, and the economics of thousands of citizens, and the habitat of a myriad of woodland animal species. A healthy and sustainable balsam bough resource is a responsibility of all citizens. The following guidelines have been established for the sustainable harvest of the balsam bough resource.

Thoughtful pruning. Proper harvesting. Most balsam boughs are harvested from early October to early December. Boughs retain their needles the best if the branches are harvested after the second hard frost. The harvesting of balsam boughs is a critical element in preserving and promoting a healthy balsam bough resource and annual harvest.

Fir better - or worse • Harvest boughs from the bottom half of the tree. The wreath industry prefers the flat or semi-round boughs that are typically found at the bottom of balsam trees. The round, rough-looking boughs of the upper part of older trees are typically not suitable for use in the wreath industry. • When harvesting branches from the bottom of the tree, leave a portion of each pruned branch for regeneration. This will ensure balsam boughs for the future. • When harvesting from smaller trees, leave at least 50 percent of the balsam tree’s limbs intact in the upper portions of the tree. • Harvested branches should have ends no larger in diameter than a pencil. As you harvest along the branch, leave part of the branch for growth and regeneration. • Harvest boughs from trees that are greater than 7 feet high. • Choose trees to trim that stand beyond 50 feet of public roads so that the aesthetic value of balsam trees can still be enjoyed by passersby.

Applicable Laws/Regulations Get a permit, written consent or a bill of sale! Permits are required for harvesting balsam boughs from public lands in Wisconsin. Permits can be obtained from state forest offices, forestry offices of the Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forests, tribal headquarters on reservation lands, and county forestry offices 17

State law requires that small quantities of boughs for personal use will utilize the Forest Products Permit Christmas tree rate. Commercial quantities can be sold using the same form, but should be identified as a Commercial Permit. A Commercial Permit allows for the permittee and crew to cut boughs. A list of State Forestry Offices with contact information is included at the end of this directory. A Commercial Permit can utilize a statewide range of: $75.00 minimum for permit and the first two tons $25.00 extra for each additional ton

Special conditions to be included for all bough permits include: 1. Boughs will be cut in such a manner as not to kill the tree or render aesthetic damage to the tree 2. Harvesting of boughs will not take place within sight of a town road, state forest road, or lettered or numbered highway. 3. Permits will not be issued for special use zones such as aesthetic zones, wilderness zones, etc.

Most County Forests require a County permit for specific information; please contact the local County Forestry Office. A list of County Forestry Offices with contact information is included at the end of this directory.

18 Birch Bark Introduction Birch is a very versatile tree. Virtually all parts of the tree have been used in some way in the past. This use continues today but to a very limited degree. The best known and most distinguishing characteristic of the tree is the shimmering white bark. To many the birch tree with its white bark symbolizes the northwoods.

The bark of the birch tree is one of the more important non-timber forest products in the northern forest. For many centuries, birch bark was essential to forest dwellers throughout the northern forest. Birch bark was important from birth to death for the Ojibway of the northern Great Lakes region. It was used for food preparation and storage, water travel, heating, and cover for dwellings. Although birch bark has been replaced by plastic and paper products, it remains an important material for artists and wild crafting.

Paper birch and related white barked birches occur at northern latitudes around the world. Where ever they occur the bark is used in one way or another. Although there are similarities in the types of objects made from birch bark from these various regions of the world, it is possible to identify some unique features from each region. For example, in North America, sheets of bark of various sizes are used to make containers of different kinds, including the birch bark canoe. The bark is cut followed by sewing with spruce root, basswood bark, cedar bark and other natural and manufactured materials to allow shaping or if larger pieces are needed they may be sown together with one of the materials mentioned above. The Ojibway people often decorated small containers with porcupine quills. Northern Europeans (Scandinavia and Russia) commonly cut the sheets of bark into strips and wove the strips into variety of items—for example back packs, shoes and baskets. They also used small sheets of bark to make canisters for food storage. Russian work commonly seen today in gift shops in the U.S. are highly decorated with figures made by stamping, cutting or appliqué techniques.

Birch Biology/Management Birch trees grow in pure stands and stands with various mixtures of conifers and other hardwoods. The mix of species depends on past disturbances, soil conditions, and latitude – the farther north the fewer hardwood species. Occurrence ranges from some if the poorest soils (for example mine tailings) to relatively rich soils that support northern hardwood forests.

Regeneration occurs from seed and sprouting from the base of standing trees and the stumps of cut trees. Sprouting occurs in most trees up to age 40 to 50 years and then declines as trees lose vigor. The number of sprouts produced initially ranges from several to many hundreds depending on the size and age of the tree. But the number of sprouts decreases and at maturity there are usually 2-4 trees/clump. A stand that has reproduced mainly by sprouting has a very characteristic appearance – groups of trees each group in the same location as the parent tree.

An individual birch tree can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds and a stand of birch many millions. These large seed crops occur at 3-4 year intervals. Birch seeds germinate best on bare mineral soil or where the organic layers have been mixed with mineral soil. Birch seedlings grow much slower that sprouts at least in their early years – it may take a seedling 5-10 years to grow to 5-6 feet, a sprout can grow to that height in 1-2 years. The rate of height growth of both sprouts and seedlings can be greatly affected by shade and browsing by deer and hares.

Birch is usually managed in stands where trees are all the same age (even-age management). This usually means stands are removed by clearcutting and regenerated from seed, sprouts or more likely a combination of seeds and sprouts. Usually some sort of additional disturbance, in addition to that done during logging, is required to provide the best seedbed for germination. The number of different trees species growing with birch is usually determined by the number of species present before logging of the mature stand.

19 Harvesting Considerations There are 5 really important things to consider when harvesting birch bark. 1. Always have the permission of the landowner to harvest bark. 2. Harvest bark from trees that are planned to be cut in the near. 3. The outer layer of bark is all that is harvested. Damage the inner layer of bark as little as possible when harvesting the outer layer. The thickness of the outer layer is usually not more that 1/8 – inch – the inner layer is about 2-3 times thicker than the outer layer of bark. 4. The best time of the year to harvest bark usually falls sometime between mid-June and early July. Each tree will vary somewhat. If you are not sure if a tree is ready, one can make a small test cut at the base of the tree. Bark harvested before or after this prime period is sometimes referred to as winter bark – it has a different color than the summer bark. Much greater care is required in removing bark from the tree. 5. Once the bark is off the tree it should be rolled length-wise or at right angles to the way it was on the tree. The bark has the tendency to "want to" roll up in the same way that it was on the tree. It is difficult to unroll if it does that, particularly once it has dried. The bark can either be stored rolled up or flat with some weight on top to keep it from curling, especially at the edges.

Bark quality varies greatly from tree to tree. The bark from each tree has a different variety of uses. Important bark characteristics to consider are: size and density of the lenticles (black "eyes"); roughness; density of branch scars; bark thickness; and tendency for bark to come apart in layers. The width of a piece of bark can be estimated by multiplying the diameter of the tree by 3 – the length by how high up the tree one can reach (with or without a ladder).

Bark is usually harvested from larger trees (6 inches diameter and larger). But smaller trees have some very interesting bark colors and this bark can be used to add interesting detail to baskets. Bark can be collected from dead and down trees. This bark tends to be somewhat more fragile than bark from living trees, but it is very useful for some things.

Applicable Laws ALWAYS know who owns the land from which you want to harvest bark – and RESPECT the wishes and requirements of the landowner. There is no uniform set of regulations regarding harvesting at the present time. Obviously every private landowner has their personal rules. The following are some situations that exist: 1. Some counties do not give permits. Please contact the appropriate county office to ascertain if they do provide permits. Some counties may prefer to have the bark harvester contact the logger that has purchased a timber sale. The logger would then allow/disallow the harvest. 2. On state lands, contact your local DNR office to acquire a permit. 3. U.S. Forest Service requires a permit.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Where can I find out where to harvest bark? Determine who owns the land that might have harvestable bark. Contact county, state or federal offices for areas where bark might be available. Put ads in the paper, contact friends –let people know that you are interested in harvesting.

2. Does removing the bark kill the tree? It can kill the tree. Some knowledgeable harvesters estimate that up to 20% of trees from which bark is removed die. If you harvest bark from trees that are to be cut soon then this is not a concern. If the procedures outlined above are followed there will be little effect on the tree. It is very important to understand the best time of the year for harvest and to do little or no damage to the inner layer of bark.

3. Does removing the bark affect the lumber quality of the tree? It can. Again if the bark is removed at the right time of the year and if care is taken in cutting into the bark there should be little effect. 20 Princess Pine Introduction Lycopodium comes from the Greek words "luko" (wolf) and "podos" (foot); thus the common name of "wolf’s paw" or "wolf's foot." Despite the common name of clubmoss, Lycopodium species are not related to mosses, but rather to ferns. They are evergreen, perennial, clonal, and rhizomatous in nature.

Lycopodium species (primarily the aerial stems) are collected and have various uses including: winter seasonal decorations, floral industry, medicinal and homeopathic remedies, historical aboriginal uses, and whole plant harvest for naturalizing landscapes. The spores, when mature, are highly flammable and can be used for pyro-technics and for special effects. In fact, the first photographers used Lycopodium spores for flash powder, and one of the first photocopy machines used Lycopodium spores as a carbon source. In addition, due to their very fine texture, spores were used in toilet powders, makeup, and coatings for pills.

A variety of species of Lycopodium occur in northern forests. The most common of these are: Lycopodium dendroideum -(Round-branch ground pine) Lycopodium obscurum - (Flat-branch ground pine) They are also known as "Princess pine" The Biology of Lycopodium Lycopodium, commonly known as clubmoss, occurs relatively frequently in northern hardwood forests. Each particular Lycopodium species has a characteristic modular growth form with either above- or belowground rhizomes, common branching angle, as well as a characteristic method of vegetative reproduction (commonly observed) and of sexual reproduction (rarely observed).

The aerial stems for all Lycopodium species have two functions: photosynthesis and spore production. When the aerial stems reach maturity (between 4-6 years), they may produce strobili or cones that, in turn, form spores that are necessary in the sexual reproductive cycle of the plant.

Vegetative reproduction is the primary method of reproduction for Lycopodium species, contributing to its spread or increase in cover in a given area. An entire plant may have both above- and/or belowground parts. A single plant may include many aerial stems. Many plants may make up a ‘clone.’ A clone is a group of plants that are all genetically identical.

Harvesting Considerations The princess pines are most frequently harvested and are primarily used as decorative ‘greens’. They are commonly found in aspen/birch forests, but may also occur in moist rich woods as well as in boggy areas. Their tree-like branching aerial stems resemble small pine trees, hence the common name of Princess pine or ground pine. Ground pine species have lateral branches (rhizomes) that commonly grow or ‘run’ 4 to 6 inches belowground.

Ground cedar is another frequently harvested species on private lands with landowner permission; it is not typically allowed for harvest on public lands. It also has tree-like branching aerial stems that resemble small cedar trees, but the lateral branching (rhizomes) run along either at the surface of the soil or just below the surface in the litter layer. The most efficient way to harvest the ground pines is to pluck or clip the mature aerial stem near the base of the stem at ground level, leaving the belowground portion of the plant undisturbed. Because it has not yet been determined whether it is less stressful to the plant to have the aerial stem plucked, it is recommended that they be clipped scissors or sharp hand- held pruners. Harvesting individual mature aerial stems in such as way as to not disturb the underground rhizome may enhance the survival of the plant and may increase or even stimulate belowground rhizomal branching. There is some concern that plucking may impact or disturb the belowground portion of the plant. To harvest the ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum), it is easiest to grab hold of a mature stem with strobili, give it a gentle tug, and then gradually loosen the remaining length of rhizome from the litter layer of the forest

21 floor. The rhizome may be clipped near the base of the mature stem in hand, leaving some of the remaining plant parts (rhizomes and aerial stems) to regenerate vegetatively. According to the leading buyers in the Lake States area, only the mature aerial Lycopodium stems (the 4-6 year old stems that have produced strobili or cones) are considered to be economically valuable. Most Lycopodium is gathered in the fall of the year, typically beginning around September. Most ground pine and ground cedar is used for holiday decorative purposes, thus the fall is an appropriate time to begin collecting in order to get materials to regional buyers in time for preparation for use. This time frame also coincides with when the Lycopodium spores are mature and ready for dispersal. The commotion created while gathering allows spores to be knocked out of the strobili, dispersed into the air, and fall onto the newly disturbed area of forest floor. This newly disturbed area will quite probably have exposed mineral soil; creating potentially prime conditions for spore germination and genetic recombination (alteration of generations). To ensure future Lycopodium harvest opportunities, take only the mature aerial stems and leave the immature stems for a future harvest. At least two years should be allotted between harvests in the same area to allow for enough time for an increase in vegetative expansion of cover and will provide good insurance for future harvest operations. Also, by skipping a year or two between harvests in the same area, you will allow time without disturbance for possible spore germination and for the potential for the development of new plants and new genetic material. Any abrupt and intensive alteration of growing conditions can make it difficult for the survival of any type of existing ground vegetation.

When considering whether to gather any forest products, it is important to consider taking it in moderate quantities. Following the general advice of the First Nation Tribal Elders, "Take what you need. Pay your respects. Leave the rest."

Applicable Laws/Regulations Typically a permit is required if you plan to harvest Lycopodium species on public lands. The ground pines (Lycopodium dendroideum and Lycopodium obscurum) are the dominant species allowed for harvest on public lands. Check with the particular public land agency in question to get the specific rules and regulations for the area where you plan to harvest. If you plan to harvest Lycopodium on private land, landowner permission is required. Federal National Forest Lands in the Lake States area: Ground pine species are allowed for harvest through a minimal fee permitting process. State Forest Lands: In Minnesota and Michigan, a minimal fee permitting process allows ground pine species harvest. Harvest by permit is not allowed on Wisconsin state forest land.

22 Wisconsin State Forests Black River State Forest Brule River State Forest 910 Highway 54 East 6250 S. Ranger Road Black River Falls, WI 54615-9276 Brule, WI 54820 715-284-4103 or 715-284-1417 715-372-5678 (voice) 715-372-4836 (fax) Coulee Experimental State Forest Flambeau River State Forest 3550 Mormon Coulee Road W 1613 County Road LaCrosse, WI 54601 Winter, WI 54896 608-785-9007 715-332-5271 Governor Knowles State Forest Havenwoods 325 State Road 70 6141 N. Hopkins Street P.O. Box 367 Milwaukee, WI 53209 Grantsburg, WI 54840-0367 414-527-0232 (phone) 715-463-2897 414-527-0761 (fax and TDD) Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit Southern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest Forest Headquarters Forest Headquarters N1765 Highway G S91 W39091 Highway 59 Campbellsport, WI 53010 Eagle, Wisconsin 53119 262-626-2116 262-594-6200 or 262-594-6201 Kettle Moraine Pike Lake Unit Kettle Moraine Lapham Peak Unit 3544 Kettle Moraine Road W329 N846 County Highway C Hartford, WI 53027 Delafield, WI 53018 262-670-3400 262-646-3025 Northern Highland-American Legion State Point Beach Forest 9400 County Highway O Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Two Rivers, Wisconsin 54241 8770 Highway J 920-794-7480 Woodruff WI 54568 715-356-5211 Peshtigo River State Forest N10008 Paust Lane Crivitz, WI 54114 715-757-3965

Wisconsin County Forest Administrators Ashland Co. Barron Co. Bayfield Co. Ashland Co. Forest Barron County Forest Bayfield County Forest 304 W. Michigan Street 127 South 4th Street P.O. Box 445 Butternut, WI 54514 Barron, WI 54812 Washburn, WI 54891 Office: 715-769-3777 Office: 715-537-6295 Office: 715-373-6114 Fax: 715-769-3763 Fax: 715-537-3246 Fax: 715-373-6310 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Burnett County Chippewa County Clark County Burnett Co. Forest Chippewa Co. Forest Clark Co. Forest 7425 County Road K 711 North Bridge Street 517 Court Street Siren, WI 54872 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Neillsville, WI 54456 Office: 715-349-2157 Office: 715-726-7881 Office: 715-743-5140 Fax: 715-349-2130 Fax: 715-726-7987 Fax: 715-743-5154 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Douglas County Eau Claire County Florence County Douglas Co. Forestry Eau Claire Co. Forest Florence Co. Forestry and Parks P.O. Box 211 227 First Street West 4818 Forestry Drive Solon Springs, WI 54873 Altoona, WI 54720 Florence, WI 54121 Office: 715-378-2219 Office: 715-839-4783 Office: 715-528-3207 x105 Fax: 715-378-2807 Fax: 715-839-6277 Fax: 715-528-5172 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Forest County Iron County Jackson County Forest Co. Forest Iron Co. Forest Jackson Co. Forest 200 E. Madison 607 Third Ave. N. Suite #2 W7970 Airport Road Crandon, WI 54520 Hurley, WI 54534 Black River Falls, WI 54615 Office: 715-478-3475 Office: 715-561-2697 Office: 715-284-8475 Fax: 715-478-5175 Fax: 715-561-4801 Fax: 715-284-8425 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Juneau County Langlade County Lincoln County Juneau Co. Forest Langlade Co. Forest Lincoln Co. Forest 650 Prairie 1633 Neva Road Courthouse Annex, 1106 E. 8th St. Mauston, WI 53948-1345 Antigo, WI 54409 Merrill, WI 54452 Office: 608-847-9390 Office: 715-627-6300 Office: 715-536-0327 Fax: 608-847-9560 Fax: 715-627-6276 Fax: 715-536-0369 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Marathon County Marinette County Monroe County Marathon Co. Forest Marinette Co. Forest Monroe Co. Forest 212 River Drive, Suite 2 1926 Hall Ave. 14307 County Hwy. B, Box 21A Wausau, WI 54403-5476 Marinette, WI 54143 Sparta, WI 54656 Office: 715-261-1584 Office: 715-732-7525 Office: 608-269-8738 Fax: 715-261-4163 Fax: 715-732-7532 Fax: 608-269-8795 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Oconto County Oneida County Polk County Oconto Co. Forest Oneida Co. Forest Polk Co. Forest 301 Washington Street Courthouse, P.O. Box 400 100 Polk County Plaza Suite 40 Oconto, WI 54153 Rhinelander, WI 54501 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Office: 920-834-6827 Office: 715-369-6140 Office: 715-485-9265 Fax: 920-834-6805 Fax: 715-369-6168 Fax: 715-485-9246 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

24 Price County Rusk County Sawyer County Price Co. Forest Rusk Co. Forest Sawyer Co. Forest 104 South Eyder Avenue 311 Miner Avenue Suite 151 Courthouse, P.O. Box 880 Phillips, WI 54555 Ladysmith, WI 54848 Hayward, WI 54843 Office: 715-339-6371 Office: 715-532-2113 Office: 715-634-4839 Fax: 715-339-3027 Fax: 715-532-2237 Fax: 715-634-6820 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Taylor County Vernon County Vilas County Taylor Co. Forest Vernon Co. Forester/Parks Vilas Co. Forest 224 South Second Street 220 Airport Avenue 330 Court Street Medford, WI 54451 Viroqua, WI 54665 Eagle River, WI 54521 Office: 715-748-1486 Office: 608-637-5485 Office: 715-479-5160 Fax: 715-748-1415 Fax: 608-637-8322 Fax: 715-479-5573 [email protected] [email protected] Washburn County Wood County Wisconsin County Forests Association Washburn Co. Forest Wood Co. Forest Executive Director 850 W. Beaver Brook Avenue Ste 4 Courthouse P.O. Box 8095 518 West Somo Avenue Spooner, WI 54801 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8095 Tomahawk, WI 54487 Office: 715-635-4490 Office: 715-421-8549 Office: 715-453-6741 Fax: 715-635-4493 Fax: 715-421-8808 Fax: 715-453-5998 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]